Who walks away from a million dollars? Well, Mayor Zenaida Moya just might tonight. Today she told us that the City Council still hasn't decided if it will accept a one million dollar bailout from the Belize Tourism Board. As we've reported, the BTB has offered to give Moya's council one million dollars but the money will have to be used for specific beautification projects, projects which were outlined by Moya in a letter of request to the BTB. But Moya says now that there are too many strings attached because she simply needs the money to pay overpriced sanitation contractors. But today Tourism Minister Godfrey Smith stuck to his line: the BTB will give the city council the money but it will have to be on the BYB's terms.
Keith Swift,
The City Council says it wants a part of the head tax that the BTB receives from cruise ship passengers.
Hon. Godfrey Smith, Minister of Tourism
"The answer to that is a very simple one: the BTB is governed by laws, by a particular piece of legislation. Under that legislation there are certain objectives set out, certain functions of the board. It does not lie with the board to assign any portion of any monies that come to the board to any entity. What the board can do, which is what it accepted to do, is to assist to the tune of up to $1 million on particular projects for the enhancement of tourism related projects in Belize because that is what the law mandates the board to do."
Keith Swift,
But the City Council wants the money with no strings attached.
Hon. Godfrey Smith,
"I have just pointed out what the board can do. The board met specially last week Friday. We had a full day meeting, we passed a resolution."
Keith Swift,
The City Council says that is not good enough.
Hon. Godfrey Smith,
"I believe they said they will take legal advice. The ball is in their court."
Keith Swift,
But you would agree that last PUP city council was getting money from BTB.
Hon. Godfrey Smith,
"And we have proposed to do exactly the same thing. The BTB was furnished with a copy from the Mayor, with a letter from the Mayor, outlining I think five or six particular projects which they wanted assistance for. That went to the board and the board said yes we are going to assist with these projects from now until the end of the fiscal year to a maximum of $1 million."
The council will meet tonight and make a final decision.
